Founded during Washington University in St. Louis’ Sesquicentennial year, the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award is an annual award recognizing a select group of WashU community members who exemplify a character of service and engagement with the St. Louis region.
Nominations for the 2021 Ethic of Service Award are due on Sunday, November 1 by 11:59pm Central.
Announcements of 2021 honorees will be made in the spring.
Any member of the WashU community, past or current, who resides in and serves the St. Louis community is eligible to receive the award. This includes students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, and volunteers* of the university.
Nominations must be submitted online, and supplemental materials will not be accepted. Nominators are strongly encouraged to review the selection committee’s tips for writing a quality nomination. If you need assistance submitting your online application, please email Stephanie Kurtzman.
2020 Honorees
Characteristics of Award Honorees
The award committee anticipates a broad range of nominations that define service to community in many different ways. While the committee is not looking for a specific type of community involvement, characteristics of award honorees might include one or more of the following:
- Shows compassion for others
- Exudes passion for a social, cultural or economic issue
- Creates positive impact on the St. Louis community
- Considers service to the community to be a way of life
- Goes above and beyond professional responsibilities in their service to St. Louis
- Is dedicated to serving others
- Demonstrates selflessness
- Positively influences other’s perceptions of St. Louis
- Believes in the St. Louis region
- Inspires compassion and action in others
For More Information
- Learn more about Gerry and Bob Virgil
- Read “A Truly Extraordinary Couple” in Washington Magazine
- View a list of all past honorees, dating back to 2004.
- View a special video commemorating 15 years of the Ethic of Service awards below.
- If you have questions about the award and/or nomination process, please contact Stephanie Kurtzman, Peter G. Sortino Director of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement.
*For purposes of the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award, university volunteers have a formal, active, and sustained role with a Washington University organization, usually in a leadership capacity, through the Board of Trustees, National Advisory Councils, or recognized university auxiliary organizations.